"I came out here knowing I had nothing to prove": Dobey pleased to silence critics with opening Premier League Darts win

Chris Dobey saw off Michael van Gerwen 6-5 with an incredible 160 checkout to claim it on the opening night of Premier League Darts in Belfast.

After a whirlwind couple of days after being selected in the first place, Dobey rose to the occasion and showed his class.

"It's a great feeling obviously winning on the big stage but Premier League, you couldn't ask for much more on your debut," said Dobey post match.

It was his full debut with Dobey playing as a contender before and he discussed the difference.

"As a contender playing for the first time in front of your home crowd you get all kinds of nerves but tonight after last week's win, I come here with no nerves whatsoever. I knew what I could do, I knew I could win on the big stage. That was a massive confidence booster for me last week. I'm just delighted to prove what I can do."

As well as the criticism from some sections he has had this week which he has now banished by proving he belongs.

"I came out here knowing I had nothing to prove anyway. I said before I believe I deserve my place going off the last two years but you get all the social media critics, they've got their own opinion. They can say what they want, I know I should've been before. I've done the job tonight and hopefully they've got a different opinion for next week."